Exploring Kyoto in 3 days is completely possible! Follow me as I explore the amazing sites of Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo forest, Kinkakuji Temple, Kamo River, Rub A Dub Reggae bar and a few other fun spots in Kyoto!
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1:
– Arrived at Narita airport and then took a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Trip time was about 2 hours and 40 mins on the Hikari train. Once I arrived I checked into my Airbnb and actually met up with a friend who happened to be in Japan as well.
– Walked around Gion (super safe even at night) and just relaxed for the rest of the day.
Day 2:
– I got up early and went to a convenient store to buy an all day Kyoto bus pass for 500 yen (about $5). You can purchase it on the bus as well.
– First stop was the Arashiyama Bamboo forest! It was extremely beautiful, but in order to avoid the crazy crowds, plan to get there early!
– Next I went to Tenryu-ji Garden (you can do a temple tour if you’d like, but I chose to enjoy the garden instead)
– Along the way I found a bakery with dominantly VEGAN food! The melon bread was amazing. Check out Hitsuji no Kaze for tasty vegan dessert bread!
– After, I took a bus to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Such an amazing site to see! Super crowded though since it was Showa Day (a national holiday in Japan)
– For late lunch, I went to Cafe Matsuontoko in Nishiki Market. They have some of the best vegan burgers and desserts I’ve ever had.
– Last stop of the day was the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 beautiful Torii gates and fox statues everywhere). I went there at night and it was honestly sooo peaceful and beautiful! If you hike up far enough you can see a breathtaking view of the city.
Day 3:
– Spent time wandering around Gion in Kyoto and had a mini freestyle dance session in a garden by a temple π
– Took a bus to Arashiyama again and then it started raining so I went back to grab a late lunch at Cafe Matsuontoko again!
– After lunch, I went to Kamo River, a popular hang out spot in Kyoto. I just sat there and enjoyed my thoughts and alone time. (one of my favorite places out there)
– I always check out reggae bars when I’m in other countries so I researched and found Rub A Dub Reggae in Kyoto. A small dive bar with amazing music, people, and bartenders. There’s always something happening on Saturday nights!
All in all, I did a ton of stuff in Kyoto within 3 days and even had time to relax in between. If you have an questions on this part of my trip, comment down below! I would love to help you all plan out your next adventure to Japan!
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Twitter: maedayUGF
Facebook: Mae Bugarin
Music: Dreams by Joakim Karud (Soundcloud download)
AloJapan.com